We Sometimes Fall Part IX

Filed in archive ATV Safety on January 25, 2007

This is part IX of a multi-part series of discussions which will cover some of the things we CAN control when we ride to help us prevent a fall

We Sometimes Fall Because we want attention. Your sport bike is capable of doing some pretty incredible things. I'm not just talking about accelerating, braking and turning, I'm talking about stunts. Doing wheelies, stoppies, or otherwise riding the bike in a manner which it wasn't designed for.

The bike is highly capable of doing those things. You've seen it on TV or on the track. Sometimes even on the street. The people that are doing it seriously (professionally or semi-professionally), know the risks, limits and their own capabilities. They are prepared for what they do, and practice it, working up slowly by doing a little bit at a time until they're comfortable with it. They're also wearing the proper gear, with any needed safety equipment for the bike.

If you ride with the intent of impressing the people around you, you're riding for the wrong reason and are likely to pay for it. At best the fall will be embarrassing and cost a small fortune in plastic and fiber-glass. At worst, it can be fatal for you or someone else who happens to be in the way when you Lose Control.

Part X